The EPA will reduce the overall cap on production from 14,000 to 12,000 metric tons for the 12 months from June, but companies can exceed the new limit if an approved waste collection system is installed under fish cages.

The proposed waste collection system would be the first of its kind worldwide, and will be trialled by Tassal at a cost of about AUD 500,000 (€336,748/$369,456), before being rolled out across all overstocked pens.

EPA Director Wes Ford said if Tassal did not adopt the waste management system it would have to remove an extra 4,000 metric tons of fish, because it would exceed the limit.

“So Tassal has a choice, Tassal can either put fish waste collection systems in or they can remove fish from the harbor,” said Ford.

In a statement, Tassal said it respected the EPA's decision which balanced "environmental, economic and social needs of the Strahan and wider Tasmanian community."

It has agreed to install waste capture liners under pens to further minimize environmental impacts in the harbor.

Huon Aquaculture had wanted a limit of 10,000 metric tons and is considering the detail before responding to Friday's announcement.

The EPA will reduce the overall cap on production from 14,000 to 12,000 metric tons for the 12 months from June, but companies can exceed the new limit if an approved waste collection system is installed under fish cages.

The proposed waste collection system would be the first of its kind worldwide, and will be trialled by Tassal at a cost of about AUD 500,000 (€336,748/$369,456), before being rolled out across all overstocked pens.

EPA Director Wes Ford said if Tassal did not adopt the waste management system it would have to remove an extra 4,000 metric tons of fish, because it would exceed the limit.

“So Tassal has a choice, Tassal can either put fish waste collection systems in or they can remove fish from the harbor,” said Ford.

In a statement, Tassal said it respected the EPA's decision which balanced "environmental, economic and social needs of the Strahan and wider Tasmanian community."

It has agreed to install waste capture liners under pens to further minimize environmental impacts in the harbor.

Huon Aquaculture had wanted a limit of 10,000 metric tons and is considering the detail before responding to Friday's announcement.